The Best BLT Sandwich
on Aug 06, 2024, Updated Feb 25, 2025
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If you’re looking for The Best BLT Sandwich, look no further! We gravitate towards a BLT the second we see juicy, heirloom tomatoes popping up in the summer. It has the perfect balance of flavors from the crispy bacon, crunchy iceberg lettuce, and juicy tomatoes. Now, add on Homemade Basil Mayo, and you’ve got the best summer sandwich!
If you’re looking for more summer recipes, be sure to check out our Roasted Tomato, Feta, and Herb Orzo Salad, Jambon Beurre, and Hot Honey Barbecue Ribs.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This BLT sandwich is the perfect recipe to make as the weather warms up. Ruby-ripe red tomatoes, with crunchy iceberg, not sure there is anything better?
- Elevated Classic: This combines a Homemade Basil Mayo, made with egg yolks, giving a unique, floral spin on the classic mayo in a BLT.
- Quick and Easy: Once you have your bacon crisped up, this sandwich comes together in no time.
- Perfect Texture: With the juicy tomatoes, crunch from the bacon and tomatoes, and the mayo, this has a number of components that match perfectly.
Recipe Ingredients
Below are the ingredients you need to make this recipe, including all our tips and substitutions.
Bacon: To make the perfect BLT sandwich, it starts with crispy bacon. Crisped up in the oven is our preference, just so that there is no splatter. You can opt to fry your bacon on the stovetop in a cast-iron skillet, and then toast your bread in the same skillet in the bacon fat, if you want a little more depth!
Lettuce: We are using crunchy iceberg lettuce for this BLT. But oftentimes, we will also use butter lettuce. Personally, love the way the crunchy iceberg pairs with the bacon and tomatoes.
Heirloom Tomatoes: Use any ripe tomatoes you have on hand. We like to cut the tomato slices pretty thick, but it’s totally up to your preference!
Bread: Any bread will do for this BLT! We personally love sourdough bread, but a white sandwich bread works great.
Homemade basil mayonnaise: While you can just use store-bought mayo here, give our Homemade Basil Mayo a try! Homemade mayo with egg yolks, and avocado with loads of fragrant basil pair really nicely with all the other BLT elements.
The full list of ingredients with exact quantities can be found on the recipe card below.
Tips and Substitutions
- Season your Tomatoes: A sprinkle of salt with go a long way ahead of time to bring out the tomato’s natural sweetness and help to not have a soggy sandwich.
- Bread Options: Use any of your favorite sliced bread, such as sourdough, ciabatta, or whole-grain.
- Bacon Alternatives: You can use other alternatives like turkey bacon, or crispy tempeh to make this vegetarian.
How to Make The Best BLT Sandwich
Step 1: On a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, layer your bacon in a single layer. Transfer to the oven at 400 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes, flipping halfway.
Step 2: In the meantime, slice your tomatoes on a cutting board, about 1/2 inch thick, and season with salt and pepper.
Step 3: Toast your bread, if preferred, and set up your station with the iceberg leaves.
Step 4: Spread your mayo, then top with the tomatoes, and iceberg, finishing with your bacon, and topping with your bread.
The full detailed instructions can be found on the recipe card below.
Serving Recommendations
Looking for some ideas to serve this BLT recipe? We have you covered!
- Sides: Air Fryer Pickle-Brined Fries with Chipotle Mayo, or Parmesan Sweet Potato Fries would be a great side dish to serve alongside this sandwich.
- Snacks: You can serve your BLT sandwich with bagged chips, or crunchy pickles.
- Salads: For summery side salads, be sure to check out our Double Cherry Caprese Salad Recipe, Melon Prosciutto Salad with Sungold Tomato Vinaigrette, or Grilled Little Gem Caesar Salad.
In this recipe, we are keeping it pretty classic with bacon, lettuce, and tomato. But you can add any of your favorite ingredients. Some ideas sprouts, avocado, caramelized onions, but really anything goes!
Up to you! We think this also depends on the type of bread you’re using. If it’s fresh and soft bread, with a crunchy crust, you may not need to toast. If you choose to fry your bacon in a skillet on the stovetop, you can also toast your bread in the bacon fat.
We are using iceberg lettuce, which we like for its super crunchy texture. You can use any lettuce, though, like romaine, green leaf lettuce, or butter lettuce. Even arugula will work!
3 to 4 slices evenly will work perfectly for your BLT!
More Sandwich Recipes
If you do make this BLT Sandwich recipe, leave a comment and give this recipe a rating, we would love to hear what you think! Don’t forget to tag us on Instagram, we love to see what you’re making! If you’d like to stay in touch and get the latest in your inbox, sign up for our Newsletter. We can also be found on YouTube, Facebook, and Pinterest!
The Best BLT Sandwich
Ingredients
- 8 ounces bacon, about 3 to 4 slices per sandwich
- 2 heirloom tomatoes
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 4 slices of bread, cut 1/2 inch thick, any bread of your choice
- 1/2 medium head of iceberg lettuce, roughly torn in sheets
- 1/4 cup Basil Mayo
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. On a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, layer on your bacon in a single layer. Transfer to the oven for 15 to 20 minutes, flipping halfway, until the bacon is cooked through, with your desired crunch. It will continue to cook when you take it out of the oven, so take it out 1 to 2 minutes before you think it’s done.
- In the meantime, slice your tomatoes on a cutting board, about 1/2 inch thick, and season with salt and pepper.
- Toast your bread, if preferred, and set up your station with the iceberg leaves.
- Assemble your sandwich! With the bacon still hot, start to assemble. Spread an even layer of your basil mayo on the bread, about 1 to 2 tablespoons each sandwich, then top with the tomatoes, and iceberg, finishing with your bacon, and topping with your bread, also with more basil mayo spread on the top slice. Slice in half and eat immediately.
Notes
- Season your Tomatoes: A sprinkle of salt with go a long way ahead of time to bring out the tomato’s natural sweetness and help to not have a soggy sandwich.
- Bread Options: Use any of your favorite sliced bread, such as sourdough, ciabatta, or whole-grain.
- Bacon Alternatives: You can use other alternatives like turkey bacon, or crispy tempeh to make this vegetarian.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Is there anything better than a BLT in the summer? I hope you enjoy! 🙂